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Case Study

King County Metro RapidRide Program 

Location: Seattle, WA

Client: King County Metro

Status: Ongoing (Program Contract – Active through 2026 and beyond) 

 

Project Overview 

Future Systems Inc. is the primary manufacturer for the King County Metro RapidRide Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) shelter program under a long-term contract awarded in 2019. This program supports the rollout of multiple RapidRide corridors across the Seattle region, delivering high-quality transit shelters and integrated passenger infrastructure. 

Following a two-year design development and prototyping phase, initial deployments began with the H Line (completed in 2022), followed by the J Line. Future Systems is currently manufacturing shelters and integrated technology pylons for the next expansion corridor, the I Line. 

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Scope of Work 

Future Systems’ scope includes: 

  • Programmatic design support and standardization across multiple corridors 

  • Prototype development and iterative design refinement 

  • Full fabrication of bus shelters across multiple configurations 

  • Manufacturing of integrated “Tech Pylons” 

  • Coordination and integration of real-time passenger information systems (RTPI) 

  • Collaboration with client stakeholders, architects, and technology providers 

 

The program is structured to allow scalable deployment as additional RapidRide corridors are introduced. 

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Project Approach 

Future Systems worked closely with King County Metro and the project design team through an extensive design-build collaboration process. The approach focused on: 

 

  • Developing a repeatable, modular shelter system adaptable to various site conditions 

  • Integrating technology components seamlessly into the shelter and pylon structures 

  • Ensuring manufacturability and long-term durability across all design iterations 

  • Supporting stakeholder coordination throughout design, prototyping, and production 

 

The two-year design and prototype phase was critical in establishing a standardized system that could be efficiently deployed across multiple corridors. 

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Key Features & Innovations 

  • Integrated real-time passenger information systems (RTPI) 

  • Purpose-built Tech Pylons supporting digital infrastructure 

  • Modular shelter designs allowing flexibility across station types 

  • High-quality materials and finishes suited for long-term urban use 

  • Coordination with off-board payment systems and transit technology upgrades 
     

Challenges & Solutions 

Challenge: Balancing standardization with varying site conditions across multiple corridors

Solution: Developed a modular system with configurable elements to accommodate different layouts while maintaining consistency 

Challenge: Integrating evolving technology requirements (RTPI, electrical components)

Solution: Close coordination with technology vendors and design teams to ensure seamless integration into fabrication 

Challenge: Long program duration requiring consistency over time

Solution: Established repeatable manufacturing processes and design standards to maintain quality across multiple phases 

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 Results & Outcomes 

  • Successful delivery of shelters for the H Line (completed 2022) 

  • Continued rollout through J Line and current I Line production (2026) 

  • Contribution to a major public transit investment (~$87M for H Line corridor improvements) 

  • Established Future Systems as a long-term manufacturing partner for King County Metro 

 

Value Added by Future Systems 

  • Expertise in transit shelter systems and BRT infrastructure 

  • Ability to support design development through fabrication 

  • Proven capability to deliver under a multi-year, multi-phase program 

  • Strong coordination across architects, agencies, and technology providers 

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